Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes

Storage Options

Store leftover philly cheesesteak sloppy joes in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the meat mixture for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or bags. Reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to restore moisture. Frozen portions should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Store buns separately to maintain their texture and toast fresh when serving leftovers.

Summary

Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes combine ground beef with sautéed peppers and onions in a savory sauce, topped with melted provolone cheese and served on hamburger buns. This 30-minute recipe serves 6-8 people and offers all the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak in an easy-to-make, budget-friendly format perfect for family dinners.

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener
• Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
• Serving spoons

Ingredients

For the Meat Mixture:

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

For Assembly:

• 8 hamburger buns or brioche rolls
• 2 cups provolone cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting buns)

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet with vegetables. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Season the mixture: Add salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to distribute seasonings evenly.
4. Create the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, cornstarch, Italian seasoning, and oregano until smooth.
5. Combine and simmer: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat mixture.
6. Add cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and gradually stir in the provolone and mozzarella cheeses until melted and well incorporated.
7. Prepare buns: While the mixture rests, butter the hamburger buns and toast them in a separate pan or under the broiler until golden brown.
8. Serve: Spoon the philly cheesesteak sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with the other half and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

The key to perfect philly cheesesteak sloppy joes lies in not overcooking the vegetables, as they should retain some texture to mimic the traditional sandwich experience. Using a combination of provolone and mozzarella cheeses provides both authentic flavor and excellent melting properties. If the mixture appears too thick, add additional beef broth one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Tips for Success

Choose ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio for optimal flavor and moisture in your philly cheesesteak sloppy joes. Avoid over-mixing the meat to prevent a tough texture. For extra authentic flavor, substitute half the ground beef with thinly sliced ribeye steak, chopped into small pieces. Toast the buns until golden to prevent them from becoming soggy when loaded with the meat mixture. Allow the cheese to melt completely off the heat to avoid separation or graininess.

Additional Tips and Variations

Transform your philly cheesesteak sloppy joes with these creative variations. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. Mushroom lovers can include sautéed button or cremini mushrooms along with the peppers and onions. For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for beef and use reduced-fat cheese. Create a loaded version by adding crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions. For meal prep, prepare the meat mixture in advance and reheat when ready to serve, adding fresh cheese just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make philly cheesesteak sloppy joes ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add fresh cheese before serving.

Q: What’s the best cheese substitute for provolone? A: American cheese, white cheddar, or Cheez Whiz work well as alternatives while maintaining the authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor profile.

Q: Can I freeze philly cheesesteak sloppy joes? A: The meat mixture freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Freeze before adding cheese, then add fresh cheese when reheating.

Q: How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy? A: Always toast the buns until golden brown and serve immediately after assembly. You can also lightly brush the inside of buns with butter before toasting.

Q: Can I use different types of peppers? A: Absolutely! Try using a mix of colored bell peppers, or add poblano peppers for a mild smoky flavor that complements the beef perfectly.

Conclusion

Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes represent the perfect fusion of two beloved American comfort foods, delivering restaurant-quality flavors in a family-friendly format that’s both affordable and easy to prepare. This recipe transforms the sophisticated elements of a traditional Philly cheesesteak into an approachable weeknight dinner that satisfies both adults and children alike. The combination of seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese creates a meal that’s sure to become a regular rotation in your dinner planning. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings or simply want to elevate your typical sloppy joe experience, these philly cheesesteak sloppy joes deliver exceptional flavor and satisfaction that will have everyone coming back for more.